Tips to Reduce Noise on the Sony STR-DA777ES

The Following information was gathered by DJay and Kevin M Donlon, sent to me by niadh1, edited by me and Posted at the Sony STR-DA777ES Forum.

First, it is CRITICAL that you select the correct input-type for any connected components ( ie Co-ax for DVD etc.) to avoid massively increased noise floor & input crosstalk. Use the "Analog/Digital" control on the Front panel to select the connection for each used input.

I initally started out with this, in an attempt to lower the noise floor of a E9000ES / N9000ES (will work with 777ES also)system, below that already accomplished with V2.01, and a pure AC source. I wasn't entirely sucessful in that the result wasn't a significant reduction in audible noise ( although there was some ), but instead have reduced noise that seems to have a detrimental effect on sound quality. I suspect that this inaudible noise either unnecessarily stresses the amplifier, or masks low-level detail etc. Either way it's well worth doing for the fairly low cost. I should point out that I haven't entirely researched the optimal setup for the E9000ES/N9000ES, instead applying this to all possible inputs ( as a pose to concentrating only on those which will benefit the most ). This involves "Shorted RCA Plugs" which is a cheap 'n easy DIY job which everyone on this forum can do with no hassles. You'll need quite a few Blank Male RCA Connectors, a soldering iron, and some solder. What you want to do is "Short" the Center pin to the ground ( generally another side mounted pin at the edge of the connector ). I simply cut the Ground pin ( removing the top half ) and then bent it inwards so that it nearly contacts the center pin. Then just solder the two together! Voila! You've got yourself a "Shorted RCA Plug"

You can use this to stop any unused inputs from picking up noise. I'd reccommend using this initially, as follows, in order of priority ( you'll need two "Shorted RCA Plugs per input, obviously ) :
- Phono Input
- Unused Analog input for any inputs using a Digital Connection
- Unused inputs on the N9000ES (or 777ES)
- Any other unused Analog inputs

I'll confess to having no idea whether or not it is worth doing this on all the Analog inputs, but I did anyway. Since I've used these on ALL the unused inputs in my system, I can't say for sure which was responsible for the greatest ( or indeed any ) change. I am actually quite happy with the result, since my aim was to reduce the noise floor, instead I now have a better sounding system. That's O.K with me, heh. Maybe someone with the Service Manual for the E9000ES / N9000ES(or 777ES) could add something to this? So, to summarize, all of you should go get/make some Shorted RCA plugs right now I'd guesstimate that the cost would be below $25 if you've already got a soldering iron. If you haven't, I'm sure that someone you know, would!